Katie Couric can't grab ratings crown from NBC's 'Today'
Katie Couric couldn't quite conquer her old employer Monday.
The former "Today" co-host has turned up this week in a temporary headliner spot on her old archrival, ABC's "Good Morning America." But at least so far, "Today" is staying in its No. 1 position in the ratings.
For Monday, NBC's morning show averaged 5.1 million total viewers, compared with "GMA's" 4.8 million, according to Nielsen.
Couric's stint on "GMA" is part of a big network warm-up for her daily talk show coming later this year. But it's also part of the latest escalation in the endless morning TV wars.
"GMA" has toiled as No. 2 to "Today" for nearly 17 years, but lately it's been closing the ratings gap. "Today," meanwhile, is on the verge of reshuffling its talent deck, with co-host Ann Curry rumored to be headed for the exits and a possible role -- to be announced as early as Wednesday -- for "American Idol's" Ryan Seacrest, with whom NBC is wrapping up a major deal.
But the biggest news of course was "Today's" guest-hosting job on Tuesday for Sarah Palin, a stunt that earned massive PR and also some derision. Those ratings will be available Wednesday.
What did you think of Couric's "GMA" hosting gig?
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Photo: Katie Couric and George Stephanopoulos on ABC's "Good Morning America." Credit: Lou Rocco / Associated Press
